Pittway Corporation

Daniel J Birk

Ronald Sisselman

Fred J Conforti

Nicholas J Bellavia

Kenneth R Fenne

Michael T Mantzke

Each of several, typically three, microprocessorcontrolled modular electronic timers is selectably electrically pluggable to each of several, typically four, custom packaged modular switches. Each modular switch contains an indentical switch circuit that selectively implements the SPST through 4PST, the DPDT, or the DPST switch function. Each modular timer variously provides eight on/off events, either upon five weekdays and upon two weekend days, or upon individual days. Each modular timer may skip timed events during a one to seven day period. An astronomical timer generates an on/off signal at local sunrise and sunset without reference to ambient light conditions. Each timer is readily programmed, and toggled in its on/off signal state, by pushbutton switches. A comprehensive display shows current programmed data and on/off signal status. Each modular switch typically has two pairs of relays that are oppositely controlled. Solely by external electrical connections to the terminals of these relays, and by a further internal jumper particularly in order to realize the 3PST and 4PST switching functions, the same switch circuit is used in all four custom packagings. The custom packagings of the modular switch provide for easy installation while the common switch circuit accords reliable performance of diverse switching functions.

Modular electronic timer switch system

A system for testing a remotely located sensing unit includes a photosensor located within the sensing unit. A control beam of incident electromagnetic energy can be provided from a remotely located portable source such as a flashlight. Directing the beam of radiant energy from the flashlight against the sensor in the unit causes the unit to initiate a test sequence. The unit can be equipped with a photo-detector to terminate an alarm generated in response to a sensed condition. The unit can include a sonic detector. Control circuitry in the unit can decode a sensed encoded incident beam to minimize false tests or to provide multiple remotely initiated functions.

Test initiation apparatus with continuous or pulse input

A flashlight battery charging circuit includes a diode bridge which full-wave rectifies an AC voltage supplied from a 120 VAC supply through a coupling capacitor. The output terminals of the bridge are coupled to the battery through a Zener diode circuit which terminates current flow from the bridge to the battery when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined level. A storage capacitor has one terminal thereof connected to the coupling capacitor and the other terminal thereof connected to the output of the rectifying bridge through a diode and to the battery through a current-limiting resistor and an LED. The storage capacitor is charged during alternate half cycles of the AC supply voltage to a relatively high voltage and on the remaining half cycles is discharged through the current-limiting resistor and the LED to supply to the battery a limited current at a relatively high voltage.

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Aurora, IL, United States of America

Daniel J Birk